Nairobi — Simba Corporation, a closely held Kenyan company, is in talks with four vehicle makers, including France’s Renault, about assembling their vehicles in East Africa’s biggest economy. The manufacturers are looking to tap demand in an industry that’s expected to grow 15% this year, CEO Adil Popat said in an interview in the capital, Nairobi, on Wednesday. Another of the companies interested in making its vehicles in Kenya is Mahindra & Mahindra of India, he said, declining to identify the other two. The four incoming firms would add to the growing number of car manufacturers targeting Kenya after Volkswagen (VW), Peugeot, CNH Industrial and Nissan Motor announced plans for assembly lines in the country in the past 18 months. Vehicle production is expected to expand more than 14% annually over the next four years, driven by expanding domestic demand and improving export opportunities, Fitch Group’s BMI Research said in January.
The vehicle makers are looking for assuranc...
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